Adrian Boult’s reputation rests largely on his authoritative interpretations of British music, but the brilliance he displayed in Holst, Vaughan Williams, and Elgar is little in evidence in Beethoven. Both the Sixth and Seventh symphonies receive lackluster performances. Boult’s swift tempos in the Pastorale resemble Karajan’s–the first movement generates much forward thrust at the outset, but Boult never does anything with the momentum he generates, and the music just runs along gracelessly. Scene by the Brook seems endless even though it’s taken at a good clip, while Boult’s Storm is one of the lamest on disc, with timpani that sound as if they’re playing somewhere down the block. The finale does have its moments of radiance, but by then you don’t care.
The Seventh has even less going for it. Beethoven’s all-important rhythms are rounded-off to the point of numbness. This, along with Boult’s rather metronomic conducting, makes the first and third movements sound nothing at all like the powerful pieces they are (though he does summon a bit more fire for the finale). Finally, there’s just too little color or distinction in the London Promenade Orchestra’s playing to hold our attention. After this, Boult’s energized Egmont and Fidelio overtures are quite a surprise. Would that he invested this much flair and imagination in the symphonies! Although Vanguard’s remastered recording has good spread and depth, it’s a bit hazy and dynamically limited.
